World Series of Fighting's Josh Burkman at the 'coolest' stage of career

Josh Burkman this past month submitted UFC vet Jamie Yager and thought he was going to the UFC.

“Then I got a call from the World Series of Fighting, and it seemed like the right move,” Burkman today told MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio). “After dealing with the press conference and the management, I know I made the right move, and I’m happy where I’m at.”

At 5-1 since his UFC days, Burkman (23-9) is making an investment in the upstart promotion.

“For me, it’s a cool part of my career,” Burkman said. “Coming back off my injury and that layoff, it seems like every one of my opponents is a little bit tougher of a test. It’s a progression as I come back and try to get my name on a bigger stage, and I think Gerald Harris falls in line with that.”

Burkman, who resumed his career in 2009 after a litany of injuries put a temporary halt to fighting, was partially convinced to join WSOF by its president, former kickboxer and MMA fighter Ray Sefo.

“We had a great conversation about contracts and why fighters get upset with their organizations,” Burkman said.

At the press conference, Burkman playfully prodded Sefo that he was more nervous on the podium than in the cage.

“He’s a fighter, and he knows what the fighters need and want,” Burkman said. “The people behind the scenes are experienced businessmen and experienced in the sport. It gives this show such a great platform to grow, and fighters another platform to excel on.”

And while the WSOF might not boast the sport’s biggest platform, a deal with NBC puts it far ahead of most new MMA promotions. Burkman doesn’t expect it to be an out-of-the-box success, but he wants to help the business grow. As a promoter himself in Orem, Utah, he helped to attract crowds in excess of 5,000 people.

“I think it was over 5,000 paid and right around 6,600 for Jamie Yager,” Burkman said. “Now, I’m going to bring all that marketing to World Series of Fighting.”

Burkman may also bring something else to the promotion’s inaugural show: a baby. His wife is expecting on Oct. 15.

“That’s going to be an interesting training camp,” he said. “I might bring a three-week old to my fight.”

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